Object Interaction Prediction Systems and Methods for Autonomous Vehicles

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for determining object motion and controlling autonomous vehicles are provided. In one example embodiment, a computing system includes processor(s) and one or more tangible, non-transitory, computer readable media that collectively store instructions that when executed by the processor(s) cause the computing system to perform operations. The operations include obtaining data associated with a first object and one or more second objects within a surrounding environment of an autonomous vehicle. The operations include determining an interaction between the first object and the one or more second objects based at least in part on the data. The operations include determining one or more predicted trajectories of the first object within the surrounding environment based at least in part on the interaction between the first object and the one or more second objects. The operations include outputting data indicative of the one or more predicted trajectories of the first object.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is based on and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application 62/589,951 having a filing date of Nov. 22,2017, which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to improving the ability of anautonomous vehicle to determine future locations of objects within thevehicle's surrounding environment and controlling the autonomous vehicleregarding the same.

BACKGROUND

An autonomous vehicle is a vehicle that is capable of sensing itsenvironment and navigating without human input. In particular, anautonomous vehicle can observe its surrounding environment using avariety of sensors and can attempt to comprehend the environment byperforming various processing techniques on data collected by thesensors. Given knowledge of its surrounding environment, the autonomousvehicle can navigate through such surrounding environment.

SUMMARY

Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will beset forth in part in the following description, or may be learned fromthe description, or may be learned through practice of the embodiments.

One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a computingsystem. The computing system includes one or more processors and one ormore tangible, non-transitory, computer readable media that collectivelystore instructions that when executed by the one or more processorscause the computing system to perform operations. The operations includeobtaining data associated with a first object and one or more secondobjects within a surrounding environment of an autonomous vehicle. Theoperations include determining an interaction between the first objectand the one or more second objects based at least in part on the dataassociated with the first object and the one or more second objects. Theoperations include determining one or more predicted trajectories of thefirst object within the surrounding environment based at least in parton the interaction between the first object and the one or more secondobjects. The operations include outputting data indicative of the one ormore predicted trajectories of the first object.

Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to anautonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle includes one or moreprocessors and one or more tangible, non-transitory, computer readablemedia that collectively store instructions that when executed by the oneor more processors cause a computing system to perform operations. Theoperations include obtaining state data indicative of one or morecurrent or past states of a first object and one or more second objectswithin a surrounding environment. The operations include determining aninitial predicted trajectory of the first object within the surroundingenvironment based at least in part on the state data indicative of theone or more current or past states of the first object. The operationsinclude determining an interaction between the first object and the oneor more second objects based at least in part on the initial predictedtrajectory of the first object. The operations include determining oneor more predicted trajectories of the first object within thesurrounding environment based at least in part on the interactionbetween the first object and the one or more second objects.

Yet another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to acomputer-implemented method for determining object motion. The methodincludes obtaining, by a computing system including one or morecomputing devices, data indicative of an initial predicted trajectory ofa first object within a surrounding environment of an autonomousvehicle. The method includes determining, by the computing system, aninteraction between the first object and one or more second objectsbased at least in part on the initial predicted trajectory of the firstobject within the surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle. Themethod includes determining, by the computing system, one or morepredicted trajectories of the first object within the surroundingenvironment based at least in part on the interaction between the firstobject and the one or more second objects. The method includesoutputting, by the computing system, data indicative of the one or morepredicted trajectories of the first object.

Other example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systems,methods, vehicles, apparatuses, tangible, non-transitorycomputer-readable media, and memory devices for predicting the locationsof objects within a surrounding environment of an autonomous vehicle andcontrolling the autonomous vehicle with respect to the same.

These and other features; aspects and advantages of various embodimentswill become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the present disclosure and, together with thedescription, serve to explain the related principles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Detailed discussion of embodiments directed to one of ordinary skill inthe art are set forth in the specification, which makes reference to theappended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an example system overview according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts an example environment of an autonomous vehicle accordingto example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 depicts a diagram of an example implementation of a modelaccording to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A-D depict diagrams of example probabilities of predictedinteraction trajectories according to example embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of an example method for determiningobject motion according to example embodiments of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 6 depicts example system components according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments, one or moreexample(s) of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example isprovided by way of explanation of the embodiments, not limitation of thepresent disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various modifications and variations can be made to theembodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the presentdisclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part ofone embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that aspects of the presentdisclosure cover such modifications and variations.

The present disclosure is directed to improved systems and methods forpredicting the future locations of objects that are perceived byautonomous vehicles. In particular, an autonomous vehicle can predictthe future location(s) of an object based on potential interactions thatthe object may experience within the vehicle's surrounding environment.For instance, the autonomous vehicle can predict an initial trajectoryof each object (e.g., a pedestrian, vehicle, bicyclist, etc.) within thesurrounding environment. The initial trajectory can represent apredicted path along which the respective object is initially predictedto travel and an associated timing, To help refine these predictions,the systems and methods of the present disclosure can enable anautonomous vehicle to determine whether an object may interact withother object(s), traffic rule(s), and/or the autonomous vehicle itselfas well as the potential effects that such an interaction may have onthe object's motion. By way of example, the autonomous vehicle candetermine that a jaywalking pedestrian may interact with an oncomingvehicle based on the predicted initial trajectories of each objectintersecting one another. Based on this interaction, the autonomousvehicle can predict one or more secondary interaction trajectories forthe pedestrian. For example, the autonomous vehicle may predict that thejaywalking pedestrian may stop and wait for the oncoming vehicle to passand/or that the jaywalking pedestrian may run ahead of the vehicle tocross the street. The autonomous vehicle can also determine aprobability that the pedestrian may follow each of these interactiontrajectories. The autonomous vehicle can consider both of thesepotential trajectories when planning the motion of the autonomousvehicle. In this way, the autonomous vehicle can more accurately predictthe future location(s) of interacting objects within the vehicle'ssurrounding environment. The improved ability to predict future objectlocation(s) can enable improved motion planning or other control of theautonomous vehicle, thereby enhancing passenger safety and vehicleefficiency.

More particularly, an autonomous vehicle can be a ground-basedautonomous vehicle (e.g., car, truck, bus, etc.) or another type ofvehicle (e.g., aerial vehicle) that can operate with minimal and/or nointeraction from a human operator. The autonomous vehicle can include avehicle computing system located onboard the autonomous vehicle to helpcontrol the autonomous vehicle. The vehicle computing system can belocated onboard the autonomous vehicle, in that the vehicle computingsystem can be located on or within the autonomous vehicle. The vehiclecomputing system can include one or more sensors (e.g., cameras, LightDetection and Ranging (LIDAR), Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR),etc.), an autonomy computing system (e.g., for determining autonomousnavigation), one or more vehicle control systems (e.g., for controllingbraking, steering, powertrain, etc.), and/or other systems. Thesensor(s) can gather sensor data (e.g., image data, RADAR data, LIDARdata, etc.) associated with the surrounding environment of the vehicle.For example, the sensor data can include LIDAR point cloud(s) and/orother data associated with one or more object(s) that are proximate tothe autonomous vehicle (e.g., within a field of view of the sensor(s))and/or one or more geographic features of the geographic area (e.g.,curbs, lane markings, sidewalks, etc.). The object(s) can include, forexample, other vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, etc. The object(s) canbe static objects (e.g., not in motion) or actor objects (e.g., dynamicobjects in motion or that will be in motion). The sensor data can beindicative of characteristics (e.g., locations) associated with theobject(s) at one or more times. The sensor(s) can provide such sensordata to the vehicle's autonomy computing system.

In addition to the sensor data, the autonomy computing system can obtainother types of data associated with the surrounding environment in whichthe objects (and/or the autonomous vehicle) are located. For example,the autonomy computing system can obtain map data that provides detailedinformation about the surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle.The map data can provide information regarding: the identity andlocation of different roadways, road segments, buildings, sidewalks, orother items; the location and directions of traffic lanes (e.g., theboundaries, location, direction, etc. of a parking lane, a turning lane,a bicycle lane, or other lanes within a particular travel way); trafficcontrol data (e.g., the location and instructions of signage, trafficlights, laws/rules, or other traffic control devices); the location ofobstructions (e.g., roadwork, accident, etc.); data indicative of events(e.g., scheduled concerts, parades, etc.); and/or any other map datathat provides information that assists the vehicle computing system incomprehending and perceiving its surrounding environment and itsrelationship thereto.

The autonomy computing system can be a computing system that includesvarious sub-systems that cooperate to perceive the surroundingenvironment of the autonomous vehicle and determine a motion plan forcontrolling the motion of the autonomous vehicle. For example, theautonomy computing system can include a perception system, a predictionsystem, and a motion planning system.

The perception system can be configured to perceive one or more objectswithin the surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle. Forinstance, the perception system can process the sensor data from thesensor(s) to detect the one or more objects that are proximate to theautonomous vehicle as well as state data associated therewith. The statedata can be indicative of one or more states (e.g., current or paststate(s)) of one or more objects that are within the surroundingenvironment of the autonomous vehicle. For example, the state data foreach object can describe (e.g., at a given time, time period, etc.) anestimate of the object's current and/or past location (also referred toas position), current and/or past speed/velocity, current and/or pastacceleration, current and/or past heading, current and/or pastorientation, size/footprint, class (e.g., vehicle class vs. pedestrianclass vs. bicycle class), the uncertainties associated therewith, and/orother state information.

The prediction system can be configured to predict the motion of theobject(s) within the surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle.For instance, the prediction system can create prediction dataassociated with the one or more the objects. The prediction data can beindicative of one or more predicted future locations of each respectiveobject. The prediction data can indicate a predicted path associatedwith each object. The prediction system can determine a predictedtrajectory along which the respective object is predicted to travel overtime. The predicted trajectory can be indicative of the predicted pathas well as the timing at which the object is predicted to traverse thepath. This can be indicative of the intentions of the object. In someimplementations, the prediction data can be indicative of the speed atwhich the object is predicted to travel along the predicted trajectory.

The prediction system can be configured to determine an initialpredicted trajectory associated with an object within the surroundingenvironment of the autonomous vehicle. For instance, the predictionsystem can be a goal-oriented prediction system that, for each objectperceived by the autonomous vehicle, generates one or more potentialgoals, selects one or more of the potential goals, and develops one ormore initial predicted trajectories by which the object can achieve theone or more selected goals. By way of example, a pedestrian can bewalking on a sidewalk adjacent to travel way (e.g., street, etc.) onwhich an autonomous vehicle is travelling. The pedestrian may be walkingtoward the travel way. The predication system can obtain state dataindicative of one or more current or past states of the pedestrian asthe pedestrian travels toward the travel way. The prediction system candetermine that the pedestrian has a goal of crossing the travel way(e.g., in a jaywalking manner) based at least in part on such statedata. Based on this goal, the prediction system can determine an initialtrajectory for the pedestrian that predicts that the pedestrian willcross the travel way.

The initial predicted trajectory of an object can be affected bypotential interactions between the object and other elements within thevehicle's environment. Thus, according to the present disclosure, theprediction system can include an interaction system that predicts suchinteractions and the possible effects of the interactions on theobject's trajectory. To do so, the prediction system (e.g., theinteraction system) can obtain data associated with an object within thesurrounding environment of an autonomous vehicle. For instance, theprediction system can obtain data indicative of the initial predictedtrajectory of the object within the surrounding environment (e.g., thegoal-oriented based initial trajectory predication). In someimplementations, the prediction system can obtain the map dataindicative of one or more traffic rules and/or other geographic features(e.g., stop signs, stop lights, etc.). In some implementations, theprediction system obtain data (e.g., state data, predicted trajectories,etc.) associated with other objects within the environment and/or theplanned motion trajectory of the autonomous vehicle.

The prediction system (e.g., the interaction system) can determine aninteraction associated with the object. This can include various typesof interactions. For instance, an interaction associated with an objectcan be a potential interaction between the object and another objectwithin the surrounding environment. The other object can be an actorobject that is moving (or is expected to move) within the surroundingenvironment (e.g., a moving vehicle) and/or a static object (e.g., aparked vehicle) that is stationary within the surrounding environment.In some implementations, the interaction can be based at least in parton a traffic rule. For example, the interaction can include a potentialinteraction between the object and a stop sign, merge area, stop light,etc. In some implementations, the interaction can include a potentialinteraction between the object and the autonomous vehicle (that isimplementing the prediction system).

The prediction system (e.g., the interaction system) can predict aninteraction associated with the object based at least in part on thedata associated with the object obtained by the prediction system. Forexample, the prediction system can determine the interaction associatedwith the object based on the initial trajectory of the object, atrajectory and/or position of another object, a planned trajectory ofthe autonomous vehicle, map data, and/or other types of data. Forinstance, the prediction system can determine that an object mayinteract with another actor object in the event that initialtrajectories for each of the respective objects would intersect and/oroverlap at a similar time period. Additionally, or alternatively, theprediction system can determine that an object may interact with astatic object in the event that the initial trajectory of the objectwould intersect with the location of the static object within thesurrounding environment (e.g., the bounding box associated with thestatic object). Additionally, or alternatively, the prediction systemcan determine that an object may interact with the autonomous vehicle inthe event that the initial trajectory of the object intersects with aplanned motion trajectory of the autonomous vehicle (and/or a stoppedposition of the vehicle), in some implementations, the prediction systemcan determine the existence of an interaction based at least in part onthe map data. For example, the prediction system can determine that anobject may interact with a stop sign, merge area, traffic light, etc.based at least in part on the initial trajectory of the object and a mapof the area in which the object is traveling. Moreover, the predictionsystem may determine that the object is likely to interact with anotherobject and/or the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the mapdata. By way of example, the prediction system can evaluate the initialtrajectory and the map data of the area in which the object is travelingto determine that the object will be forced to merge left onto a one waystreet towards the trajectory of another object and/or the autonomousvehicle.

The prediction system (e.g., the interaction system) can determine oneor more predicted interaction trajectories for the object based at leastin part on the interaction. A predicted interaction trajectory can beindicative of a potential trajectory that the object may traverse as aresult of the interaction. The prediction system can iterativelydetermine one or a plurality of predicted interaction trajectories of anobject within the surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle(e.g., resulting from a single interaction). For example, at eachiteration, each trajectory can be adjusted to avoid conflict with othertrajectories developed in the previous iteration.

In some implementations, the prediction system can determine thepredicted interaction trajectories based at least in part on arule(s)-based model. The rule(s)-based model can include an algorithmwith heuristics that define the potential trajectories that an objectmay follow given the type of interaction and the surroundingcircumstances. The heuristics can be developed based on driving log dataacquired by autonomous vehicles in the real-world. Such driving log datacan be indicative of real-world object-object interactions (e.g.,including static and/or actor objects), object-autonomous vehicleinteractions, object-traffic rule interactions, etc. Moreover, thedriving log data can be indicative of the paths traveled by the objectsin the real-world based on these interactions. For example, one or morerules can be indicative of the predicted interaction trajectories that ajaywalking pedestrian may follow based on an oncoming vehicle. This mayinclude, for example, a predicted interaction trajectory indicating thatthe jaywalker will run across a travel way in front of the oncomingvehicle and/or another predicted interaction trajectory indicating thatthe jaywalker will stop to let the vehicle pass and then cross thetravel way.

In some implementations, the vehicle computing system can determine theone or more predicted interaction trajectories based at least in part ona machine-learned model. For instance, the prediction system caninclude, employ, and/or otherwise leverage a machine-learned interactionprediction model. The machine-learned model interaction prediction modelcan be or can otherwise include one or more various model(s) such as,for example, neural networks (e.g., deep neural networks), or othermulti-layer non-linear models. Neural networks can include convolutionalneural networks, recurrent neural networks (e.g., long short-term memoryrecurrent neural networks), feed-forward neural networks, and/or otherforms of neural networks. For instance, supervised training techniquescan be performed to train the model to predict an interaction associatedwith the object and/or to the predicted interaction trajectoriesassociated therewith (e.g., using labeled driving log data, sensor data,state data, etc. with known instances of interactions and/or theresultant trajectories). In some implementations, the training data canbe based at least in part on the predicted interaction trajectoriesdetermined using the rule(s)-based model, as described herein, to helptrain a machine-learned model for interaction and/or trajectoryprediction. The training data can be used to train the machine-learnedmodel offline, which can then be used as an additional, or alternative,approach for predicting interactions and/or interaction trajectories(e.g., with less latency).

The vehicle computing system can input data into the machine-learnedmodel and receive an output. For instance, the vehicle computing system(e.g., the prediction system) can obtain data indicative of themachine-learned model from an accessible memory onboard the autonomousvehicle and/or from a memory that is remote from the vehicle (e.g., viaa wireless network). The vehicle computing system can input data intothe machine-learned model. This can include the data associated with theobject (e.g., initial trajectory, state data, sensor data,trajectory/state data of other objects, planned vehicle trajectories,map data, etc.) and/or other objects within the surrounding environment.The machine-learned model can process the data to predict an interactionassociated with the object (e.g., an object-object interactions, etc.).Moreover, the machine-learned model can predict one or more interactiontrajectories for the object based on the interaction. Themachine-learned model can provide an output indicative of theinteraction and/or the predicted interaction trajectories. In someimplementations, the output can also be indicative of a probabilityassociated with each respective trajectory, as further described herein.

In some implementations, the prediction system can determine one or morepredicted interactions trajectories for an object based at least in parton one or more policies. A policy can be a special trajectory strategyapplied to a set of predicted trajectories. For instance, a policy canindicate what an object may do given a scenario and/or type ofinteraction. By way of example, a policy may indicate that an object mayyield and/or adhere to a right-of-way rule at an all-way stop. Inanother example, a policy may indicate that for a follow-lead scenario,the following object will queue behind the lead object (e.g., thefollowing object will decelerate to match the speed of the lead objectwith a comfortable follow distance). Such policies can be implementedwithin the models (e.g., rule(s)-based, machine-learned, etc.) utilizedto determine the predicted interaction trajectories.

In some implementations, policies can include one-time policies and/orrepetitive policies. A one-time policy can be applied at the initialiteration (e.g., the 0th iteration) and subsequent trajectoriesdeveloped in accordance with the policy will not be altered. Forexample, a policy may be used to help produce trajectories for vehiclesin an all-way-stop. A repetitive policy can be applied at eachiteration. For example, at iteration K, the repetitive policy can beapplied to develop trajectories using all trajectories from the lastiteration and non-policy trajectories can be developed in the currentiteration. In the event that the prediction system determines that afirst object will follow a second object, the prediction system canutilize a policy to develop the trajectories of the two objectssequentially.

Additionally, or alternatively, the prediction system (e.g., thetrajectory system) can generate a graph model (e.g., a directionalgraph) to represent the order in which interaction trajectories shouldbe developed. For example, the interaction trajectories can be developedindependently. At each iteration, the prediction system can create agraph with vertices that represent trajectories and edges that representthe dependency between two trajectories. For each trajectory, a model(e.g., a classifier) and/or a set of heuristics can be applied to mark aconflicting trajectory as a parent of the current trajectory if theconflicting trajectory should be developed first. An edge can be addedto the graph to represent this dependency. The model/heuristics can beused to determine a vehicle action (e.g., pass, queue, etc.) and otherdiscrete decisions. The interaction system can search for cycles andbidirectional edges in the graph, develop trajectories in cycles andbidirectional edges jointly, and develop other trajectoriessequentially. Such an approach can terminate when the graphs created bytwo iterations are the same.

The prediction system (e.g., the interaction system) can determine aprobability for each of the respective one or more predicted interactiontrajectories. A probability can be indicative of the likelihood that theobject will act in accordance with that respective interactiontrajectory. The probability can be expressed as a score, percentage,decimal, etc. For example, the interaction system can determine thatthere is a higher probability that a jaywalking pedestrian will stop andwait for an oncoming vehicle to pass than the jaywalking pedestrianrunning in front of the car. In some implementations, the probabilitiesfor each of the trajectories can be provided to a trajectory scoringsystem that is configured to determine a final score for each of thepredicted interaction trajectories. For example, the predication systemcan access and utilize a trajectory scoring model (e.g., a rule(s)-basedmodel and/or a machine-learned model) that is trained or otherwiseconfigured to receive a trajectory and an associated probability asinput data. The trajectory scoring model can provide a final scoreindicative of, for example, how realistic or achievable such trajectoryis for the object. Such a trajectory scoring model can be trained, forexample, on training data that includes trajectories labelled as a validtrajectory (e.g., an observed trajectory) or an invalid trajectory(e.g., a synthesized trajectory). The prediction system can output dataindicative of the one or more predicted interaction trajectories to themotion planning system (e.g., as prediction data) of the autonomousvehicle. The output can be indicative of all the predicted trajectoriesas well as the final score associated with each respective trajectory.

The motion planning system can determine a motion plan for theautonomous vehicle based at least in part on the one or more predictedinteraction trajectories. A motion plan can include vehicle actions(e.g., planned vehicle trajectories, speed(s), acceleration(s), otheractions, etc.) with respect to the objects proximate to the vehicle aswell as the objects' predicted movements. For instance, the motionplanning system can implement an optimization algorithm that considerscost data associated with a vehicle action as well as other objectivefunctions (e.g., cost functions based on speed limits, traffic lights,etc.), if any, to determine optimized variables that make up the motionplan. The motion planning system can determine that the vehicle canperform a certain action (e.g., pass an object) without increasing thepotential risk to the vehicle and/or violating any traffic laws (e.g.,speed limits, lane boundaries, signage). For instance, the motionplanning system can evaluate each of the predicted interactiontrajectories (and associated score(s)) during its cost data analysis asit determines an optimized vehicle trajectory through the surroundingenvironment. In some implementations, one or more of the predictedinteraction trajectories may not ultimately change the motion of theautonomous vehicle. In some implementations, the motion plan may definethe vehicle's motion such that the autonomous vehicle avoids theobject(s) that are predicted to interact within the surroundingenvironment, reduces speed to give more leeway around certain object(s),proceeds cautiously, performs a stopping action, etc.

The autonomous vehicle can initiate travel in accordance with at least aportion of motion plan. For instance, the motion plan can be provided tothe vehicle control systems, which can include a vehicle controller thatis configured to implement the motion plan. The vehicle controller can,for example, translate the motion plan into instructions for the vehiclecontrol system (e.g., acceleration control, brake control, steeringcontrol, etc.). This can allow the autonomous vehicle to autonomouslytravel while taking into account the object interactions within thevehicle's surrounding environment.

The systems and methods described herein provide a number of technicaleffects and benefits. For instance, the present disclosure providessystems and methods for improved predictions of object trajectorieswithin the surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicles andimproved vehicle control. The improved ability to detect interactions(e.g., object-object interactions, object-traffic rule interactions,object-autonomous vehicle interactions, etc.) can enable improved motionplanning and/or other control of the autonomous vehicle based on suchinteractions, thereby further enhancing passenger safety and vehicleefficiency. Thus, the present disclosure improves the operation of anautonomous vehicle computing system and the autonomous vehicle itcontrols. In addition, the present disclosure provides a particularsolution to the problem of predicting object interactions and theresultant trajectories and provides a particular way (e.g., use ofspecific rules, machine-learned models, etc.) to achieve the desiredoutcome. The present disclosure also provides additional technicaleffects and benefits, including, for example, enhancingpassenger/vehicle safety and improving vehicle efficiency by reducingcollisions (e.g., potentially caused by object interactions).

The systems and methods of the present disclosure also provide animprovement to vehicle computing technology, such as autonomous vehiclecomputing technology. For instance, the systems and methods enable thevehicle technology to determine whether an object may experience aninteraction and the potential motion trajectories that such an objectmay follow as a result. In particular, a computing system (e.g., avehicle computing system) can obtain data associated with a first objectand one or more second objects within the surrounding environment of anautonomous vehicle (e.g., initial trajectory data, map data, etc.). Thecomputing system can determine an interaction between the first objectand the one or more second objects based at least in part on such data.The computing system can determine one or more predicted interactiontrajectories of the first object within the surrounding environmentbased at least in part on the interaction between the first object andthe one or more second objects. The computing system can output dataindicative of the one or more predicted interaction trajectories of thefirst object (e.g., to the motion planning system, local memory, etc.).By identifying potential trajectories of an object based on predictedinteractions, the computing system can plan vehicle motion based on theinformed knowledge that predicted object motion trajectories may beaffected by interactions within the surrounding environment. This may beused to alter autonomous vehicle behavior near these objects such as,for example, to be more conservative to avoid any interference with theobjects. Accordingly, the systems and methods of the present disclosureimprove the ability, of a vehicle computing system to predict the motionof objects within its surrounding environment, while also improving theability to control the autonomous vehicle.

With reference now to the FIGS., example embodiments of the presentdisclosure will be discussed in further detail. FIG. 1 illustrates anexample system 100 according to example embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The system 100 can include a vehicle computing system 102associated with a vehicle 104. In some implementations, the system 100can include an operations computing system 106 that is remote from thevehicle 104.

In some implementations, the vehicle 104 can be associated with anentity (e.g., a service provider, owner, manager). The entity can be onethat offers one or more vehicle service(s) to a plurality of users via afleet of vehicles that includes, for example, the vehicle 104. In someimplementations, the entity can be associated with only vehicle 104(e.g., a sole owner, manager). In some implementations, the operationscomputing system 106 can be associated with the entity. The vehicle 104can be configured to provide one or more vehicle services to one or moreusers. The vehicle service(s) can include transportation services (e.g.,rideshare services in which user rides in the vehicle 104 to betransported), courier services, delivery services, and/or other types ofservices. The vehicle service(s) can be offered to users by the entity,for example, via a software application (e.g., a mobile phone softwareapplication). The entity can utilize the operations computing system 106to coordinate and/or manage the vehicle 104 (and its associated fleet,if any) provide the vehicle services to a user.

The operations computing system 106 can include one or more computingdevices that are remote from the vehicle 104 (e.g., located off-boardthe vehicle 104). For example, such computing device(s) can becomponents of a cloud-based server system and/or other type of computingsystem that can communicate with the vehicle computing system 102 of thevehicle 104 (and/or a user device). The computing device(s) of theoperations computing system 106 can include various components forperforming various operations and functions. For instance, the computingdevice(s) can include one or more processor(s) and one or more tangible,non-transitory, computer readable media (e.g., memory devices, etc.),The one or more tangible, non-transitory, computer readable media canstore instructions that when executed by the one or more processor(s)cause the operations computing system 106 (e.g., the one or moreprocessors, etc.) to perform operations and functions, such as providingdata to and/or receiving data from the vehicle 104, for managing a fleetof vehicles (that includes the vehicle 104), etc.

The vehicle 104 incorporating the vehicle computing system 102 can be aground-based autonomous vehicle (e.g., car, truck, bus, etc.), anair-based autonomous vehicle (e.g., airplane, helicopter, or otheraircraft), or other types of vehicles (e.g., watercraft, etc.). Thevehicle 104 can be an autonomous vehicle that can drive, navigate,operate, etc. with minimal and/or no interaction from a human operator(e.g., driver). In some implementations, a human operator can be omittedfrom the vehicle 104 (and/or also omitted from remote control of thevehicle 104). In some implementations, a human operator can be includedin the vehicle 104.

In some implementations, the vehicle 104 can be configured to operate ina plurality of operating modes. The vehicle 104 can be configured tooperate in a fully autonomous (e.g., self-driving) operating mode inwhich the vehicle 104 is controllable without user input (e.g., candrive and navigate with no input front a human operator present in thevehicle 104 and/or remote from the vehicle 104). The vehicle 104 canoperate in a semi-autonomous operating mode in which the vehicle 104 canoperate with some input from a human operator present in the vehicle 104(and/or remote from the vehicle 104), The vehicle 104 can enter into amanual operating mode in which the vehicle 104 is fully controllable bya human operator (e.g., human driver, pilot, etc.) and can be prohibitedfrom performing autonomous navigation (e.g., autonomous driving). Insome implementations, the vehicle 104 can implement vehicle operatingassistance technology (e.g., collision mitigation system, power assiststeering, etc.) while in the manual operating mode to help assist thehuman operator of the vehicle 104.

The operating modes of the vehicle 104 can be stored in a memory onboardthe vehicle 104. For example, the operating modes can be defined by anoperating mode data structure (e.g., rule, list, table, etc.) thatindicates one or more operating parameters for the vehicle 104, while inthe particular operating mode. For example, an operating mode datastructure can indicate that the vehicle 104 is to autonomously plan itsmotion when in the fully autonomous operating mode. The vehiclecomputing system 102 can access the memory when implementing anoperating mode.

The operating mode of the vehicle 104 can be adjusted in a variety ofmanners. In some implementations, the operating mode of the vehicle 104can be selected remotely, off-board the vehicle 104. For example, anentity associated with the vehicle 104 (e.g., a service provider) canutilize the operations computing system 106 to manage the vehicle 104(and/or an associated fleet). The operations computing system 106 cansend data to the vehicle 104 instructing the vehicle 104 to enter into,exit from, maintain, etc. an operating mode. By way of example, theoperations computing system 106 can send data to the vehicle 104instructing the vehicle 104 to enter into the fully autonomous operatingmode. In some implementations, the operating mode of the vehicle 104 canbe set onboard and/or near the vehicle 104. For example, the vehiclecomputing system 102 can automatically determine when and where thevehicle 104 is to enter, change, maintain, etc. a particular operatingmode (e.g., without user input). Additionally, or alternatively, theoperating mode of the vehicle 104 can be manually selected via one ormore interfaces located onboard the vehicle 104 (e.g., key switch,button, etc.) and/or associated with a computing device proximate to thevehicle 104 (e.g., a tablet operated by authorized personnel locatednear the vehicle 104). In some implementations, the operating mode ofthe vehicle 104 can be adjusted based at least in part on a sequence ofinterfaces located on the vehicle 104. For example, the operating modemay be adjusted by manipulating a series of interfaces in a particularorder to cause the vehicle 104 to enter into a particular operatingmode.

The vehicle computing system 102 can include one or more computingdevices located onboard the vehicle 104. For example, the computingdevice(s) can be located on and/or within the vehicle 104. The computingdevice(s) can include various components for performing variousoperations and functions. For instance, the computing device(s) caninclude one or more processors and one or more tangible, non-transitory,computer readable media (e.g., memory devices, etc.). The one or moretangible, non-transitory, computer readable media can store instructionsthat when executed by the one or more processors cause the vehicle 104(e.g., its computing system, one or more processors, etc.) to performoperations and functions, such as those described herein forautonomously navigating the vehicle 104 through a surroundingenvironment, determining object motion, control vehicle motion, etc.

The vehicle 104 can include a communications system 108 configured toallow the vehicle computing system 102 (and its computing device(s)) tocommunicate with other computing devices. The vehicle computing system102 can use the communications system 108 to communicate with theoperations computing system 106 and/or one or more other computingdevice(s) over one or more networks (e.g., via one or more wirelesssignal connections). In some implementations, the communications system108 can allow communication among one or more of the system(s) on-boardthe vehicle 104. The communications system 108 can include any suitablecomponents for interfacing with one or more network(s), including, forexample, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, and/orother suitable components that can help facilitate communication.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 104 can include one or more vehiclesensors 112 an autonomy computing system 114, one or more vehiclecontrol systems 116, and other systems, as described herein. One or moreof these systems can be configured to communicate with one another via acommunication channel. The communication channel can include one or moredata buses (e.g., controller area network (CAN)), on-board diagnosticsconnector (e.g., OBD-ii), and/or a combination of wired and/or wirelesscommunication links. The onboard systems can send and/or receive data,messages, signals, etc. amongst one another via the communicationchannel.

The vehicle sensor(s) 112 can be configured to acquire sensor data 118associated with one or more objects that are within the surroundingenvironment of the vehicle 104 (e.g., within a field of view of one ormore of the vehicle sensor(s) 112). The vehicle sensor(s) 112 caninclude a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system, a Radio Detectionand Ranging (RADAR) system, one or more cameras (e.g., visible spectrumcameras, infrared cameras, etc.), motion sensors, and/or other types ofimaging capture devices and/or sensors. The sensor data 118 can includeimage data, radar data, LIDAR data, and/or other data acquired by thevehicle sensor(s) 112. The object(s) can include, for example,pedestrians, vehicles, bicycles, and/or other objects. The object(s) canbe located in front of, to the rear of, to the side of the vehicle 104,etc. The sensor data 118 can be indicative of locations associated withthe object(s) within the surrounding environment of the vehicle 104 atone or more times. The vehicle sensor(s) 112 can provide the sensor data118 to the autonomy computing system 114.

In addition to the sensor data 118, the autonomy computing system 114can retrieve or otherwise obtain map data 120. The map data 120 canprovide detailed information about the surrounding environment of thevehicle 104. For example, the map data 120 can provide informationregarding: the identity and location of different roadways, roadsegments, buildings, or other items or objects (e.g., lampposts,crosswalks, curbing, etc.); the location and directions of traffic lanes(e.g., the location and direction of a parking lane, a turning lane, abicycle lane, or other lanes within a particular roadway or other travelway and/or one or more boundary markings associated therewith); trafficcontrol data (e.g., the location and instructions of signage, trafficlights, or other traffic control devices); the location of obstructions(e.g., roadwork, accidents, etc.); data indicative of events (e.g.,scheduled concerts, parades, etc.); and/or any other map data thatprovides information that assists the vehicle 104 in comprehending andperceiving its surrounding environment and its relationship thereto. Insome implementations, the vehicle computing system 102 can determine avehicle route for the vehicle 104 based at least in part on the map data120.

The vehicle 104 can include a positioning system 122. The positioningsystem 122 can determine a current position of the vehicle 104. Thepositioning system 122 can be any device or circuitry for analyzing theposition of the vehicle 104. For example, the positioning system 122 candetermine position by using one or more of inertial sensors (e.g.,inertial measurement unit(s), etc.), a satellite positioning system,based on IP address, by using triangulation and/or proximity to networkaccess points or other network components (e.g., cellular towers, WiFiaccess points, etc.) and/or other suitable techniques. The position ofthe vehicle 104 can be used by various systems of the vehicle computingsystem 102 and/or provided to a remote computing device (e.g., of theoperations computing system 106). For example, the map data 120 canprovide the vehicle 104 relative positions of the surroundingenvironment of the vehicle 104. The vehicle 104 can identify itsposition within the surrounding environment (e.g., across six axes)based at least in part on the data described herein. For example, thevehicle 104 can process the vehicle sensor data 118 (e.g., LIDAR data,camera data) to match it to a map of the surrounding environment to getan understanding of the vehicle's position within that environment.

The autonomy computing system 114 can include a perception system 124, aprediction system 126, a motion planning system 128, and/or othersystems that cooperate to perceive the surrounding environment of thevehicle 104 and determine a motion plan for controlling the motion ofthe vehicle 104 accordingly. For example, the autonomy computing system114 can receive the sensor data 118 from the vehicle sensor(s) 112,attempt to comprehend the surrounding environment by performing variousprocessing techniques on the sensor data 118 (and/or other data), andgenerate an appropriate motion plan through such surroundingenvironment. The autonomy computing system 114 can control the one ormore vehicle control systems 116 to operate the vehicle 104 according tothe motion plan.

The vehicle computing system 102 (e.g., the autonomy system 114) canidentify one or more objects that are proximate to the vehicle 104 basedat least in part on the sensor data 118 and/or the map data 120. Forexample, the vehicle computing system 102 (e.g., the perception system124) can process the sensor data 118, the map data 120, etc. to obtainstate data 130. The vehicle computing system 102 can obtain state data130 that is indicative of one or more states (e.g., current and/or paststate(s)) of one or more objects that are within a surroundingenvironment of the vehicle 104. For example, the state data 130 for eachobject can describe (e.g., for a given time, time period) an estimate ofthe object's: current and/or past location (also referred to asposition); current and/or past speed/velocity; current and/or pastacceleration; current and/or past heading; current and/or pastorientation; size/footprint (e.g., as represented by a bounding shape);class (e.g., pedestrian class vs. vehicle class vs. bicycle class), theuncertainties associated therewith, and/or other state information. Theperception system 124 can provide the state data 130 to the predictionsystem 126.

The prediction system 126 can be configured to predict a motion of theobject(s) within the surrounding environment of the vehicle 104. Forinstance, the prediction system 126 can create prediction data 132associated with such object(s). The prediction data 132 can beindicative of one or more predicted future locations of each respectiveobject. The prediction data 132 can indicate a predicted path associatedwith each object, if any. The prediction system 126 can determine apredicted trajectory along which the respective object is predicted totravel over time. The predicted trajectory can be indicative of thepredicted path as well as the timing at Which the object is predicted totraverse the path. This can be indicative of the intentions of theobject. In some implementations, the prediction data can be indicativeof the speed at which the object is predicted to travel along thepredicted trajectory.

The prediction system 126 can be configured to determine an initialpredicted trajectory associated with an object within the surroundingenvironment of the vehicle 104. For instance, the prediction system 126can be a goal-oriented prediction system that, for each object perceivedby the vehicle 104 (e.g., the perception system 124), generates one ormore potential goals, selects one or more of the potential goals, anddevelops one or more initial predicted trajectories by which the objectcan achieve the one or more selected goals.

By way of example, FIG. 2 depicts an example geographic area 200 inwhich a vehicle 104 is travelling according to example embodiments ofthe present disclosure. A first object 202 (e.g., a pedestrian) can betravelling on a sidewalk adjacent to travel way 204 (e.g., street, etc.)on which a vehicle 104 is travelling. The first object 202 may betraveling toward the travel way 204. The vehicle computing system 102can obtain state data 130 indicative of one or more current or paststates of the first object 202 within the surrounding environment (e.g.,as the first object 202 travels toward the travel way 204). The vehiclecomputing system 102 can determine that the first object 202 has a goalof crossing the travel way 204 (e.g., in a jaywalking manner) based onsuch state data. The vehicle computing system 102 can determine theinitial predicted trajectory 206 of the first object 202 based at leastin part on the state data 130 indicative of the one or more current orpast states of the first object 202 within the surrounding environment.For instance, the vehicle computing system 102 can determine an initialtrajectory 206 for the first object 202 that predicts that the firstobject 202 will cross the travel way 204. In some implementations, theone or more the one or more second objects can include a static objectwithin the surrounding environment. The one or more second objects caninclude an actor object within the surrounding environment. The one ormore second objects can include the vehicle 104.

Returning to FIG. 1, the vehicle computing system 102 (e.g., theprediction system 126) can include an interaction system 134 thatpredicts potential interactions between an object and other objectsand/or elements within the vehicle's environment. The interaction system134 can be configured to determine the potential effect(s) of suchinteraction(s) on an object's trajectory. To do so, the vehiclecomputing system 102 can obtain data associated with a first object andone or more second objects within a surrounding environment of thevehicle 104. By way of example, with reference to FIG. 2, the dataassociated with the first object and the one or more second objectswithin the surrounding environment can include data indicative of aninitial predicted trajectory 206 of the first object 202 within thesurrounding environment (e.g., the goal-oriented based initialtrajectory predication), Additionally, or alternatively, the vehiclecomputing system 102 can obtain state data 130 associated with the firstobject 202. Additionally, or alternatively, the vehicle computing system102 can obtain map data 120 indicative of one or more traffic rulesand/or other geographic features (e.g., stop signs, stop lights, etc.).The vehicle computing system 102 can obtain data (e.g., state data,predicted trajectories, etc.) associated with the one or more secondobjects, such as object 208. For instance, the vehicle computing system102 can obtain data indicative of an initial predicted trajectory 210 ofthe object 208. Additionally, or alternatively, the vehicle computingsystem 102 can obtain data indicative of a planned motion trajectory 211of the vehicle 104.

The vehicle computing system 102 (e.g., the interaction system 134) candetermine an interaction associated with the first object 202. This caninclude various types of interactions. For instance, this can include apotential interaction between the first object 202 and a second objectwithin the surrounding environment (e.g., the object 208, the vehicle104, etc.). In some implementations, the interaction can be associatedwith a traffic rule. For example, the interaction can include apotential interaction between the first object 202 and a stop sign,merge area, stop light, etc. In some implementations, an interaction canbe unidirectional (e.g., reactions to traffic rules, parked vehicles,lead-follow vehicle scenario, etc.), in that the motion of only oneobject is affected. In some implementations, an interaction can bebi-directional in that multiple interacting objects are affected.

The vehicle computing system can determine an interaction between twoobjects based on the obtained data associated with the objects. In someimplementations, the vehicle computing system 102 (e.g., the interactionsystem 134) can predict an interaction associated with an object basedat least in part on the data associated with that object. In someimplementations, the vehicle computing system 102 can determine aninteraction between determining an interaction between the first object202 and the one or more second objects (e.g., object 208) based at leastin part on the data associated with the first object 202 and the one ormore second objects.

For example, the vehicle computing system 102 can determine theinteraction associated with the first object 202 based the initialpredicted trajectory 206 of the first object 202 and an initialpredicted trajectory 210 and/or position of another, second object 208,map data 120, and/or other types of data. For instance, the vehiclecomputing system 102 can determine the interaction between the firstobject 202 and one or more second objects based at least in part on theinitial trajectory of the first object 202, By way of example, thevehicle computing system can predict that the first object 202 mayinteract with another second object 208 in the event that initialtrajectories 206, 210 for each of the respective objects would intersectand/or overlap at a similar time period. In another example, the vehiclecomputing system 102 can predict an interaction between an object 212(e.g., a follow vehicle) and another object 214 (e.g., a lead vehicle)based at least in part on the initial trajectory 216 of the object 212,a speed of the object 212, the position of the object 212 (e.g., thetravel lane in which the object is travelling), and/or other features ofthe object 212 and the initial trajectory 218 and/or position of theobject 214. Additionally, or alternatively, the vehicle computing system102 can determine that an object 214 may interact with a static object216 (e.g., a parked vehicle, a parked bicycle, etc.) in the event thatthe initial trajectory 218 of the object 214 would intersect with thelocation of the static object 216 within the surrounding environment(e.g., the bounding box associated with the static object). In anotherexample, an interaction between an object and the vehicle 104 can bedetermined based at least in part on the initial trajectory of theobject and a planned motion trajectory 211 and/or position of thevehicle 104.

In some implementations, the interaction between a first object and oneor more second objects can be determined based at least in part on mapdata 120 associated with the surrounding environment of the vehicle 104.For example, the vehicle computing system 102 can determine that anobject may interact with a stop sign, merge area, traffic light, etc.based at least in part on the initial trajectory of the object and a mapof the area in which the object is traveling. Moreover, the vehiclecomputing system 102 may determine that the object is likely to interactwith another object and/or the vehicle 102 based at least in part on themap data. By way of example, the vehicle computing system 102 canevaluate the initial trajectory 216 and the map data 120 of the area inwhich an object 212 is traveling to determine that the object 212 istravelling within the same travel lane as another object 214 and willapproach the other object 214.

The vehicle computing system 102 (e.g., the interaction system 134) candetermine one or more predicted interaction trajectories for the objectbased at least in part on the interaction. A predicted interactiontrajectory can be indicative of a potential trajectory that the objectmay traverse as a result of the interaction. For instance, the vehiclecomputing system 102 can determine one or more predicted interactiontrajectories 220A-B of the first object 202 within the surroundingenvironment based at least in part on the interaction between the firstobject 202 and the one or more second objects (e.g., the object 208).Additionally, or alternatively, the vehicle computing system 102 candetermine one or more predicted interaction trajectories 222A-B of theone or more second objects (e.g., object 208) based at least in part onthe interaction associated with the respective second object (e.g., theinteraction between the first object 202 and the object 208). In anotherexample, the vehicle computing system 102 can determine one or morepredicted interaction trajectories 224A-B for the object 214 based atleast in part on the interaction between the object 214 and the staticobject 216 (e.g., a parked vehicle). The vehicle computing system 102can determine one or more predicted interaction trajectories 226A-B forthe object 212 based on the interaction of the object 212 (e.g., thefollow vehicle) with the object 214 (e.g., the lead vehicle). In someimplementations, the predicted interaction trajectories can beindicative of a discrete decision associated with a vehicle action(e.g., pass, queue, stop, etc.).

The vehicle computing system 102 can iteratively determine one or aplurality of predicted interaction trajectories of an object within thesurrounding environment of the vehicle 104 (e.g., resulting from asingle interaction). For example, at each iteration, each trajectory canbe adjusted to avoid conflict with other trajectories developed in theprevious iteration. The vehicle computing system 102 can predict aninteraction between objects based on a potential conflict between therespective trajectories of those objects. For instance, the vehiclecomputing system 102 can determine that a first predicted interactiontrajectory of the first object 202 is in conflict with one or moresecond predicted interaction trajectories of the one or more secondobjects (e.g., object 208). Trajectories can be considered to be inconflict, for example, in the event that those trajectories would leadto a collision of the objects, in response to determining that the firstpredicted interaction trajectory of the first object 202A is in conflictwith the one or more second predicted interaction trajectories of theone or more second objects (e.g., object 208), the vehicle computingsystem 102 can determine the one or more predicted interactiontrajectories 220A-B of the first object 202 such that the one or morepredicted interaction trajectories 220A-B of the first object are not inconflict with the one or more second predicted interaction trajectories222A-B of the one or more second objects. For example, the vehiclecomputing system 102 can select the trajectories for a first object 202that are not in conflict with the predicted interaction trajectories ofthe one or more second objects (e.g., would not cause the first object202 to collide with the second object(s)) as the predicted interactiontrajectories 220A-B of the first object 202 that may occur as a resultof the interaction.

In some implementations, the vehicle computing system 102 can determineone or more predicted interactions trajectories for an object based atleast in part on one or more policies. A policy can be a specialtrajectory strategy applied to a set of predicted trajectories. Forinstance, a policy can indicate what an object may do given a scenarioand/or type of interaction. By way of example, a policy may indicatethat an object may yield and/or adhere to a right-of-way rule at anall-way stop. In another example, a policy may indicate that for afollow-lead scenario, the following object will queue behind the leadobject (e.g., the following object will decelerate to match the speed ofthe lead object with a comfortable follow distance). Such policies canbe implemented within the models (e.g., rule(s)-based, machine-learned,etc.) utilized to determine the predicted interaction trajectories. Forexample, the vehicle computing system 102 can determine that the object212 will decelerate to match the speed of the object 214 based on afollow-lead policy.

In some implementations, policies can include one-time policies and/orrepetitive policies. A one-time policy can be applied at the initialiteration (e.g., the 0th iteration) and subsequent trajectoriesdeveloped in accordance with the policy will not be altered. Forexample, a policy may be used to help produce trajectories for vehiclesin an all-way-stop. A repetitive policy can be applied at eachiteration. For example, at iteration K, the repetitive policy can beapplied to develop trajectories using all trajectories from the lastiteration and non-policy trajectories can be developed in the currentiteration. In the event that the vehicle computing system 102 determinesthat the object 212 will follow another object 214, the vehiclecomputing system 102 can utilize a policy to determine the trajectoriesof the two objects 212, 214 sequentially.

Additionally, or alternatively, the vehicle computing system 102 (e.g.,the trajectory system 134) can determine the predicted trajectories ofan object based on a graph model. For instance, the vehicle computingsystem 102 can determine an interaction fix a first object 202 and oneor more second objects (e.g., object 208) by associating the firstobject 202 with the one or more second objects using a graph model.After associating the first object 202 with the one or more secondobjects (e.g., object 208), the vehicle computing system 102 candetermine the one or more predicted interaction trajectories of thefirst object 202 based on the graph model. By way of example, thevehicle computing system 102 can generate a directional graph. Thedirectional graph can represent the order in which interactiontrajectories should be developed. For example, the interactiontrajectories can be developed independently. At each iteration, thevehicle computing system 102 can create a graph with vertices thatrepresent trajectories and edges that represent the dependency betweentwo trajectories. For each trajectory, a model (e.g., a classifier)and/or a set of heuristics can be applied to mark a conflictingtrajectory as a parent of the current trajectory if the conflictingtrajectory should be developed first. An edge can be added to the graphto represent this dependency. The model/heuristics can be used todetermine a vehicle action (e.g., pass, queue, etc.) and other discretedecisions. The vehicle computing system 102 (e.g., the interactionsystem 134) can search for cycles and bidirectional edges in the graph,develop trajectories in cycles and bidirectional edges jointly, anddevelop other trajectories sequentially. Such an approach can terminatewhen the graphs created by two iterations are the same.

In some implementations, the vehicle computing system 102 can determinean interaction and/or predicted interaction trajectories based at leastin part on sensor data. For example, the vehicle computing system 102can obtain image data (e.g., rasterized image data) associated with thesurrounding environment. The image data can be indicative of geographicfeatures (e.g., stop lines, lane boundaries, etc.). The vehiclecomputing system 102 (e.g., the interaction system 134) can determinethe interaction based at least in part on the image data. For instance,the vehicle computing system 102 can determine that an object willinteract with a stop sign and/or merge into a lane based on such imagedata.

In some implementations, the vehicle computing system 102 can determinepredicted interaction trajectories based at least in part on arule(s)-based model. The rule(s)-based model can include an algorithmwith heuristics that define the potential trajectories that an objectmay follow given the type of interaction and the surroundingcircumstances. The heuristics can be developed based on driving log dataacquired by vehicle(s) autonomous vehicles) in the real-world. Suchdriving log data can be indicative of real-world object-objectinteractions (e.g., including static and/or actor objects),object-vehicle interactions, object-traffic rule interactions, etc.Moreover, the driving log data can be indicative of the paths traveledby the objects in the real-world based on these interactions. Forexample, one or more rules can be indicative of the predictedinteraction trajectories that a jaywalking pedestrian may follow basedon an oncoming vehicle. This may include, for example, a predictedinteraction trajectory indicating that the jaywalker will run across atravel way in front of the oncoming vehicle and/or another predictedinteraction trajectory indicating that the jaywalker will stop to letthe oncoming vehicle pass and then cross the travel way.

In some implementations, the vehicle computing system 102 (e.g., theinteraction system 134) can determine one or more predicted interactiontrajectories based at least in part on a machine-learned model. FIG. 3depicts an example a diagram 300 of an example implementation of a model302 according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. Forinstance, the vehicle computing system 102 can include, employ, and/orotherwise leverage a machine-learned interaction prediction model 302.The machine-learned interaction prediction model 302 can be or canotherwise include one or more various model(s) such as, for example,neural networks (e.g., deep neural networks), or other multi-layernon-linear models. Neural networks can include convolutional neuralnetworks, recurrent neural networks (e.g., long short-term memoryrecurrent neural networks), feed-forward neural networks, and/or otherforms of neural networks. For instance, supervised training techniquescan be performed to train the machine-learned interaction predictionmodel 302 to predict an interaction between a first object and one ormore second objects and/or to the predicted interaction trajectoriesassociated therewith (e.g., using labeled driving log data, sensor data,state data, etc. with known instances of interactions and/or theresultant trajectories). In some implementations, the training data canbe based at least in part on the predicted interaction trajectoriesdetermined using the rules-based model, as described herein, to helptrain the machine-learned interaction prediction model 302 to predictone or more interactions and/or interaction trajectories. The trainingdata can be used to train the machine-learned model offline, which canthen be used as an additional, or alternative, approach for predictinginteractions and/or interaction trajectories.

The vehicle computing system 102 can input data into the machine-learnedmodel and receive an output. For instance, the vehicle computing system102 can obtain data indicative of the machine-learned interactionprediction model 302 from an accessible memory onboard the vehicle 104and/or from a memory that is remote from the vehicle 104 (e.g., via awireless network). The vehicle computing system 102 can provide inputdata 304 into the machine-learned interaction prediction model 302. Theinput data 304 can include the data associated with the first object andthe one or more second objects. This can include the data indicative ofthe initial trajectory, state data, sensor data, trajectory/state dataof other objects, planned vehicle trajectories, map data, etc.associated with the first object and/or data indicative the initialtrajectory, state data, sensor data, trajectory/state data of otherobjects, planned vehicle trajectories, map data, etc. associated withthe one or more second objects. The machine-learned interactionprediction model 302 can process the input data 304 to predict aninteraction associated with an object e.g., an object-objectinteraction, an object-vehicle interaction, etc.). Moreover, themachine-learned interaction prediction model 302 can predict one or moreinteraction trajectories for an object based at least in part on theinteraction. The vehicle computing system 102 can obtain an output 306from the machine-learned interaction prediction model 302. The output304 can be indicative of the one or more predicted interactiontrajectories of an object within the surrounding environment. Forexample, the output 304 can be indicative of the one or more predictedinteraction trajectories 220A-B of the first object 202 within thesurrounding environment, in some implementations, the vehicle computingsystem 102 can provide input data indicative of the predictedinteraction and the machine-learned interaction prediction model 302 canoutput the predicted interaction trajectories based on such input data.In some implementations, the output 304 can also be indicative of aprobability associated with each respective trajectory.

FIGS. 4A-D depict diagrams of example probabilities of predictedinteraction trajectories according to example embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The vehicle computing system 102 (e.g., the interactionsystem 134) can determine a probability for each of the respective oneor more predicted interaction trajectories. A probability can beindicative of the likelihood of the object (e.g., the first object 202)acting in accordance with that respective predicted interactiontrajectory. The probability can be expressed as a score, percentage,decimal, and/or other format.

With reference to FIG. 4A, the vehicle computing system 102 candetermine that there is a higher probability (e.g., PROBABILITY 1) thatthe first object 202 (e.g., a jaywalking pedestrian) will act inaccordance with the predicted interaction trajectory 220B, for example,by stopping and waiting for the object 208 (e.g., an oncoming vehicle)to pass before crossing the travel way 204 than the probability (e.g.,PROBABILITY 2) that first object 202 will act in accordance withpredicted interaction trajectory 220A (e.g., running in front of theoncoming vehicle before it passes). In another example, with referenceto FIG. 4B, the vehicle computing system 102 can determine a probability(e.g., PROBABILITY 3) that the object 208 will act in accordance withpredicted interaction trajectory 222A (e.g., queue behind a pedestrian,reduce speed, etc.) and/or a probability (e.g., PROBABILITY 4) that theobject 208 will act in accordance with the predicted interactiontrajectory 222B (e.g., pass the pedestrian, etc.). In another example,with reference to FIG. 4C, the vehicle computing system 102 candetermine a probability (e.g., PROBABILITY 5) that the object 214 willact in accordance with predicted interaction trajectory 224A (e.g.,nudge around a parked vehicle, etc.) and/or a probability (e.g.,PROBABILITY 6) that the object 214 will act in accordance with thepredicted interaction trajectory 224B (e.g., stop behind the parkedvehicle, etc.). In another example, with reference to FIG. 4D, thevehicle computing system 102 can determine a probability (e.g.,PROBABILITY 7) that the object 212 will act in accordance with predictedinteraction trajectory 226A (e.g., pass a lead vehicle, etc.) and/or aprobability (e.g., PROBABILITY 8) that the object 212 will act inaccordance with predicted interaction trajectory 226B (e.g., queuebehind a lead vehicle, etc.)

In some implementations, the probabilities for each of the trajectoriescan be provided to a trajectory scoring system that is configured todetermine a final score for each of the predicted interactiontrajectories. For example, the vehicle computing system 102 (e.g., theprediction system 126) can access and utilize a trajectory scoring model(e.g., a rule(s)-based model and/or a machine-learned model) that istrained or otherwise configured to receive a trajectory and anassociated probability as input data. The trajectory scoring model canprovide a final score indicative of, for example, how realistic orachievable such trajectory is for the object. Such a trajectory scoringmodel can be trained, for example, on training data that includestrajectories labelled as a valid trajectory (e.g., an observedtrajectory) or an invalid trajectory (e.g., a synthesized trajectory).

Returning to FIG. 1, the vehicle computing system 102 can output dataindicative of the one or more predicted interaction trajectories (e.g.,of the first object 202). For example, such data can be indicative ofthe predicted interaction trajectories 220A-B of the first object 202 aswell as the final score associated with each respective trajectory. Theprediction system 126 can output this data to the motion planning system128 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3). The vehicle computing system 102 (e.g.,the motion planning system 128) can determine a motion plan 136 for thevehicle 104 based at least in part on the one or more predictedinteraction trajectories 220A-B of the first object 202 within thesurrounding environment. A motion plan 136 can include vehicle actions(e.g., planned vehicle trajectories, speed(s), acceleration(s), otheractions, etc.) with respect to the objects proximate to the vehicle aswell as the objects' predicted movements. For instance, the motionplanning system 128 can implement an optimization algorithm thatconsiders cost data associated with a vehicle action as well as otherobjective functions (e.g., cost functions based on speed limits, trafficlights, etc.), if any, to determine optimized variables that make up themotion plan 136. The motion planning system 128 can determine that thevehicle 104 can perform a certain action (e.g., pass an object) withoutincreasing the potential risk to the vehicle and/or violating anytraffic laws (e.g., speed limits, lane boundaries, signage). Forinstance, the motion planning system 128 can evaluate each of thepredicted interaction trajectories 220A-B (and associated score(s))during its cost data analysis as it determines an optimized vehicletrajectory through the surrounding environment. In some implementations,one or more of the predicted interaction trajectories 220A-B may notultimately change the motion of the vehicle 104 (e.g., because anothervariable is deemed more critical). In some implementations, the motionplan 136 may define the vehicle's motion such that the vehicle 104avoids the object(s) that are predicted to interact within thesurrounding environment, reduces speed to give more leeway aroundcertain object(s), proceeds cautiously, performs a stopping action, etc.

The motion planning system 128 can be configured to continuously updatethe vehicle's motion plan 136 and a corresponding planned vehicle motiontrajectory. For example, in some implementations, the motion planningsystem 128 can generate new motion plan(s) 136 for the vehicle 104(e.g., multiple times per second). Each new motion plan can describemotion of the vehicle 104 over the next several seconds (e.g., 5seconds). Moreover, a new motion plan may include a new planned vehiclemotion trajectory. Thus, in some implementations, the motion planningsystem 128 can continuously operate to revise or otherwise generate ashort-term motion plan based on the currently available data. Once theoptimization planner has identified the optimal motion plan (or someother iterative break occurs), the optimal motion plan (and the plannedmotion trajectory) can be selected and executed by the vehicle 104.

The vehicle computing system 102 can cause the vehicle 104 to initiate amotion in accordance with at least a portion of the motion plan 136. Forinstance, the motion plan 136 can be provided to the vehicle controlsystems 116, which can include a vehicle controller that is configuredto implement the motion plan 136. The vehicle controller can, forexample, translate the motion plan 136 into instructions for the vehiclecontrols (e.g., acceleration control, brake control, steering control,etc.). By way of example, the vehicle controller can translate adetermined motion plan 136 into instructions to adjust the steering ofthe vehicle 104 “X” degrees, apply a certain magnitude of braking force,etc. The vehicle controller can send one or more control signals to theresponsible vehicle control (e.g., braking control system, steeringcontrol system, acceleration control system, etc.) to execute theinstructions and implement the motion plan 136. This can allow thevehicle control system(s) 116 to control the motion of the vehicle 104in accordance with planned motion trajectory.

FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of another example method 500 fordetermining object motion and controlling vehicle motion according toexample embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more portion(s) ofthe method 500 can be implemented by one or more computing devices suchas, for example, the one or more computing device(s) of the vehiclecomputing system 102 and/or other systems. Each respective portion ofthe method 500 can be performed by any (or any combination) of the oneor more computing devices. Moreover, one or more portion(s) of themethod 500 can be implemented as an algorithm on the hardware componentsof the device(s) described herein (e.g., as in FIGS. 1 and 6), forexample, to determine object motion and control a vehicle with respectto the same. FIG. 5 depicts elements performed in a particular order forpurposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in theart, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that theelements of any of the methods discussed herein can be adapted,rearranged, expanded, omitted, combined, and/or modified in various wayswithout deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

At (502), the method 500 can include obtaining data associated with anobject within a surrounding environment of a vehicle. For instance, thevehicle computing system 102 can obtain data associated with a firstobject and one or more second objects within a surrounding environmentof a vehicle 104. In some implementations, the vehicle computing system102 can obtain data indicative of an initial predicted trajectory of afirst object 202 and/or the one or more second objects (e.g., object208) within a surrounding environment of the vehicle 104. In someimplementations, the vehicle computing system 102 can obtain state data130 indicative of one or more current or past states of a first object202 and one or more second objects within a surrounding environment. Thevehicle computing system 102 can determine an initial predictedtrajectory 206 of the first object 202 within the surroundingenvironment based at least in part on the state data 130 indicative ofthe one or more current or past states of the first object 202 and/orone or more initial predicted trajectories of the second object(s)within the surrounding environment based at least in part on the statedata 130 indicative of the one or more current or past states of thesecond object(s).

At (504), the method 500 can include determining an interactionassociated with the object. For instance, the vehicle computing system102 can determine an interaction between the first object 202 and theone or more second objects (e.g., object 208) based at least in part onthe initial predicted trajectory 206 of the first object 202 and/or theone or more initial predicted trajectories of the one or more secondobjects, within the surrounding environment of the vehicle 104. Forexample, the vehicle computing system 104 can determine that two objectsmay interact in the event that the respective trajectories of eachobject would intersect or overlap. In some implementations, the vehiclecomputing system 102 can determine the interaction between the firstobject 202 and the one or more second objects based at least in part ona machine-learned model.

At (506), the method 500 can include determining one or more predictedinteraction trajectories for an object based at least in part on theinteraction. For instance, the vehicle computing system 102 candetermine one or more predicted interaction trajectories 220A-B of thefirst object 202 within the surrounding environment based at least inpart on the interaction between the first object 202 and the one or moresecond objects. As described herein, the vehicle computing system 102can determine the predicted interaction trajectories based on arule(s)-based model, a machine-learned model, a graph model, sensordata, etc.

At (508), the method 500 can determine a probability fix each of the oneor more respective predicted interaction trajectories. For instance, thevehicle computing system 102 can determining a probability for each ofthe respective one or more predicted interaction trajectories. Theprobability for the respective interaction trajectory can be indicativeof a likelihood of the first object 202 acting in accordance with therespective predicted interaction trajectory. By way of example, thevehicle computing system 102 can iteratively determine the one or morepredicted interaction trajectories 220A-B of the first object 202 withinthe surrounding environment. The vehicle computing system 102 candetermine, for each of the one or more predicted interactiontrajectories 220A-B, a likelihood that the first object 202 will act inaccordance with the respective predicted interaction trajectory. Asdescribed herein, the vehicle computing system 102 can determine a scorefor each of the one or more predicted interaction trajectories 220A-Bbased at least in part on the probability for each of the respective oneor more predicted interaction trajectories 220A-B.

At (510), the method 500 can include outputting data indicative of theone or more predicted interaction trajectories. For instance, thevehicle computing system 102 can output data indicative of the one ormore predicted interaction trajectories 220A-B of the first object 202.Such data can be outputted from the prediction system 126 to the motionplanning system 128 and/or outputted to a memory (e.g., onboard thevehicle 104). The vehicle computing system 102 can determine a motionplan for the vehicle based at least in part on the one or more predictedinteraction trajectories, at (512). For example, the vehicle computingsystem 102 can consider each of the predicted interaction trajectoriesfor the first object 202 when determining the motion plan for thevehicle 104 (e.g., as part of its cost data analysis). The vehiclecomputing system 102 can implement the motion plan, at (514). Forinstance, the vehicle computing system 102 can cause the vehicle 104 toinitial a motion in accordance with at least a portion of the motionplan.

FIG. 6 depicts example system components of an example system 600according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. The examplesystem 600 can include the vehicle computing system 102, the operationscomputing system 106, and a machine learning computing system 630 thatare communicatively coupled over one or more network(s) 680.

The vehicle computing system 102 can include one or more computingde-vice(s) 601. The computing device(s) 601 of the vehicle computingsystem 102 can include processor(s) 602 and a memory 604 (e.g., onboardthe vehicle 104). The one or more processors 602 can be any suitableprocessing device (e.g., a processor core, a microprocessor, an ASIC, aFPGA, a controller, a microcontroller, etc.) and can be one processor ora plurality of processors that are operatively connected. The memory 604can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media,such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, one or more memory devices, flashmemory devices, etc., and combinations thereof.

The memory 604 can store information that can be obtained by the one ormore processors 602. For instance, the memory 604 (e.g., one or morenon-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, memory devices) caninclude computer-readable instructions 606 that can be executed by theone or more processors 602. The instructions 606 can be software writtenin any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware.Additionally, or alternatively, the instructions 606 can be executed inlogically and/or virtually separate threads on processor(s) 602.

For example, the memory 604 can store instructions 606 that whenexecuted by the one or more processors 602 cause the one or moreprocessors 602 (the computing system 102) to perform operations such asany of the operations and functions of the vehicle computing system 102,the vehicle 104, or for which the vehicle computing system 102 isconfigured, as described herein, the operations for determining objectmotion and controlling a vehicle (e.g., one or more portions of method500), and/or any other operations and functions for the vehiclecomputing system 102, as described herein.

The memory 604 can store data 608 that can be obtained (e.g., received,accessed, written, manipulated, generated, created, etc.) and/or stored.The data 608 can include, for instance, sensor data, state data,prediction data, data indicative of interactions, data indicative ofpolicies, data indicative of graph models, data indicative ofrule(s)-based models, data indicative of machine-learned model(s), inputdata, output data, data indicative of predicted interactiontrajectories, data indicative of motion plans, map data, and/or otherdata/information described herein. In some implementations, thecomputing device(s) 601 can obtain data from one or more memorydevice(s) that are remote from the vehicle 104.

The computing device(s) 601 can also include a communication interface609 used to communicate with one or more other system(s) on-board thevehicle 104 and/or a remote computing device that is remote from thevehicle 104 (e.g., the other systems of FIG. 6, etc.). The communicationinterface 609 can include any circuits, components, software, etc. forcommunicating via one or more networks (e.g., 680). In someimplementations, the communication interface 609 can include, forexample, one or more of a communications controller, receiver,transceiver, transmitter, port, conductors, software and/or hardware forcommunicating data/information.

The operations computing system 106 can perform the operations andfunctions for managing vehicles (e.g., a fleet of autonomous vehicles)and/or otherwise described herein. The operations computing system 106can be located remotely from the vehicle 104. For example, theoperations computing system 106 can operate offline, off-board, etc. Theoperations computing system 106 can include one or more distinctphysical computing devices.

The operations computing system 106 can include one or more computingdevices 620. The one or more computing devices 620 can include one ormore processors 622 and a memory 624. The one or more processors 622 canbe any suitable processing device (e.g., a processor core, amicroprocessor, an ASIC, a FPGA, a controller, a microcontroller, etc.)and can be one processor or a plurality of processors that areoperatively connected. The memory 624 can include one or morenon-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM, ROM,EEPROM, EPROM, one or more memory devices, flash memory devices, etc.,and combinations thereof.

The memory 624 can store information that can be accessed by the one ormore processors 622. For instance, the memory 624 (e.g., one or morenon-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, memory devices) canstore data 626 that can be obtained, received, accessed, written,manipulated, created, and/or stored. The data 626 can include, forinstance, data indicative of model(s), data associated with vehicle(s),and/or other data or information described herein, in someimplementations, the operations computing system 106 can obtain datafrom one or more memory device(s) that are remote from the operationscomputing system 106.

The memory 624 can also store computer-readable instructions 628 thatcan be executed by the one or more processors 622, The instructions 628can be software written in any suitable programming language or can beimplemented in hardware. Additionally, or alternatively, theinstructions 628 can be executed in logically and/or virtually separatethreads on processor(s) 622. For example, the memory 624 can storeinstructions 628 that when executed by the one or more processors 622cause the one or more processors 622 to perform any of the operationsand/or functions of the operations computing system 106 and/or otheroperations and functions.

The computing device(s) 620 can also include a communication interface629 used to communicate with one or more other system(s). Thecommunication interface 629 can include any circuits, components,software, etc. for communicating via one or more networks (e.g., 680).In some implementations, the communication interface 629 can include forexample, one or more of a communications controller, receiver,transceiver, transmitter, port, conductors, software and/or hardware forcommunicating data/information.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle computingsystem 102 and/or the operations computing system. 106 can store orinclude one or more machine-learned models 640. As examples, themachine-learned models 640 can be or can otherwise include variousmachine-learned models such as, for example, neural networks (e.g., deepneural networks), support vector machines, decision trees, ensemblemodels, k-nearest neighbors models, Bayesian networks, or other types ofmodels including linear models and/or non-linear models. Example neuralnetworks include feed-forward neural networks, recurrent neural networks(e.g., long short-term memory recurrent neural networks), or other formsof neural networks. The machine-learned models 640 can include the model302 and/or other model(s), as described herein.

In some implementations, the vehicle computing system 102 and/or theoperations computing system 106 can receive the one or moremachine-learned models 640 from the machine learning computing system630 over the network(s) 680 and can store the one or moremachine-learned models 640 in the memory of the respective system. Thevehicle computing system 102 and/or the operations computing system 106can use or otherwise implement the one or more machine-learned models640 (e.g., by processor(s) 602, 622). In particular, the vehiclecomputing system 102 and/or the operations computing system 106 canimplement the machine learned model(s) 640 to determine objectinteraction(s) and/or predicted interaction trajectories, as describedherein.

The machine learning computing system 630 can include one or moreprocessors 632 and a memory 634. The one or more processors 632 can beany suitable processing device (e.g., a processor core, amicroprocessor, an ASIC, a FPGA, a controller, a microcontroller, etc.)and can be one processor or a plurality of processors that areoperatively connected. The memory 634 can include one or morenon-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM, ROM,EEPROM, EPROM, one or more memory devices, flash memory devices, etc.,and combinations thereof.

The memory 634 can store information that can be accessed by the one ormore processors 632. For instance, the memory 634 (e.g., one or morenon-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, memory devices) canstore data 636 that can be obtained, received, accessed, written,manipulated, created, and/or stored. In some implementations, themachine learning computing system 630 can obtain data from one or morememory devices that are remote from the machine learning computingsystem 630.

The memory 634 can also store computer-readable instructions 638 thatcan be executed by the one or more processors 632, The instructions 638can be software written in any suitable programming language or can beimplemented in hardware. Additionally, or alternatively, theinstructions 638 can be executed in logically and/or virtually separatethreads on processor(s) 632. The memory 634 can store the instructions638 that when executed by the one or more processors 632 cause the oneor more processors 632 to perform operations. The machine learningcomputing system 630 can include a communication system 639, includingdevices and/or functions similar to that described with respect to thevehicle computing system 102 and/or the operations computing system 106.

In some implementations, the machine learning computing system 630 caninclude one or more server computing devices. It the machine learningcomputing system 630 includes multiple server computing devices, suchserver computing devices can operate according to various computingarchitectures, including, for example, sequential computingarchitectures, parallel computing architectures, or some combinationthereof.

In addition or alternatively to the model(s) 640 at the vehiclecomputing system 102 and/or the operations computing system 106, themachine learning computing system 630 can include one or moremachine-learned models 650. As examples, the machine-learned models 650can be or can otherwise include various machine-learned models such as,for example, neural networks (e.g., deep neural networks), supportvector machines, decision trees, ensemble models, k-nearest neighborsmodels, Bayesian networks, or other types of models including linearmodels and/or non-linear models. Example neural networks includefeed-forward neural networks, recurrent neural networks (e.g., longshort-term memory) recurrent neural networks, or other forms of neuralnetworks. The machine-learned models 650 can be similar to and/or thesame as the machine-learned models 640.

As an example, the machine learning computing system 630 can communicatewith the vehicle computing system 102 and/or the operations computingsystem 106 according to a client-server relationship. For example, themachine learning computing system 630 can implement the machine-learnedmodels 650 to provide a web service to the vehicle computing system 102and/or the operations computing system 106. For example, the web servicecan provide machine-learned models to an entity associated with avehicle; such that the entity can implement the machine-learned model(e.g., to predict object motion within a surrounding environment of avehicle, etc.). Thus, machine-learned models 650 can be located and usedat the vehicle computing system 102 and/or the operations computingsystem 106 and/or machine-learned models 650 can be located and used atthe machine learning computing system 630.

In some implementations, the machine learning computing system 630, thevehicle computing system 102, and/or the operations computing system 106can train the machine-learned models 640 and/or 650 through use of amodel trainer 660. The model trainer 660 can train the machine-learnedmodels 640 and/or 650 using one or more training or learning algorithms.One example training technique is backwards propagation of errors. Insome implementations, the model trainer 660 can perform supervisedtraining techniques using a set of labeled training data. In otherimplementations, the model trainer 660 can perform unsupervised trainingtechniques using a set of unlabeled training data. The model trainer 660can perform a number of generalization techniques to improve thegeneralization capability of the models being trained. Generalizationtechniques include weight decays, dropouts, or other techniques.

In particular, the model trainer 660 can train a machine-learned model640 and/or 650 based on a set of training data 662. The training data662 can include, for example, a number of sets of data from previousevents (e.g., driving log data associated with previously observedinteractions). In some implementations, the training data 662 caninclude data indicative of interactions and/or predicted interactiontrajectories determined using a rule(s)-based algorithm. In someimplementations, the training data 662 can be taken from the samevehicle as that which utilizes that model 640/650. In this way, themodels 640/650 can be trained to determine outputs in a manner that istailored to that particular vehicle. Additionally, or alternatively, thetraining data 662 can be taken from one or more different vehicles thanthat which is utilizing that model 640/650. The model trainer 660 can beimplemented in hardware, firmware, and/or software controlling one ormore processors.

The network(s) 680 can be any type of network or combination of networksthat allows for communication between devices. In some embodiments, thenetwork(s) 680 can include one or more of a local area network, widearea network, the Internet, secure network, cellular network, meshnetwork, peer-to-peer communication link and/or some combination thereofand can include any number of wired or wireless links. Communicationover the network(s) 680 can be accomplished, for instance, via a networkinterface using any type of protocol, protection scheme, encoding,format, packaging, etc.

FIG. 6 illustrates one example system 600 that can be used to implementthe present disclosure. Other computing systems can be used as well. Forexample, in some implementations, the vehicle computing system 102and/or the operations computing system 106 can include the model trainer660 and the training dataset 662. In such implementations, themachine-learned models 640 can be both trained and used locally at thevehicle computing system 102 and/or the operations computing system 106.As another example, in some implementations, the vehicle computingsystem 102 and/or the operations computing system 106 may not beconnected to other computing systems.

Computing tasks discussed herein as being performed at computingdevices) remote from the vehicle can instead be performed al the vehicle(e.g., via the vehicle computing system), or vice versa. Suchconfigurations can be implemented without deviating from the scope ofthe present disclosure. The use of computer-based systems allows for agreat variety of possible configurations, combinations, and divisions oftasks and functionality between and among components.Computer-implemented operations can be performed on a single componentor across multiple components, Computer-implemented tasks and/oroperations can be performed sequentially or in parallel. Data andinstructions can be stored in a single memory device or across multiplememory devices.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail withrespect to specific example embodiments and methods thereof, it will beappreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining anunderstanding of the foregoing can readily produce alterations to,variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, thescope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by wayof limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion ofsuch modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subjectmatter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A computer-implemented method comprising:obtaining, by a computing system comprising one or more computingdevices, data associated with a first object and a second object withina surrounding environment of an autonomous vehicle, wherein the firstobject comprises a first vehicle, a first pedestrian, or a firstbicycle, and wherein the second object comprises a second vehicle, asecond pedestrian, or a second bicycle; determining, by the computingsystem, an interaction between the first object and the second objectbased at least in part on the data associated with the first object andthe second object and at least one traffic rule; and determining, by thecomputing system, motion for the autonomous vehicle based at least inpart on the interaction between the first object and the second object.22. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein determining theinteraction between the first object and the second object comprises:determining the interaction between the first object and the secondobject based at least in part on a machine-learned model.
 23. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein the traffic rule isassociated with a geographic feature within the surrounding environment.24. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein the interactionis based at least in part on one or more policies associated with atleast one of a predicted movement of the first object or a predictedmovement of the second object.
 25. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 24, wherein the one or more policies are associated with ascenario comprising yielding or acting at an intersection.
 26. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein determining theinteraction between the first object and the second object comprisesassociating the first object with the second object.
 27. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein the interaction betweenthe first object and the second object is determined based at least inpart on map data.
 28. The computing system of claim 21, furthercomprising: determining a modified predicted movement of the firstobject within the surrounding environment based at least in part on theinteraction between the first object and the second object.
 29. Thecomputing system of claim 28, wherein determining the motion for theautonomous vehicle based at least in part on the interaction between thefirst object and the second object comprises: determining the motion forthe autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the modified predictedmovement of the first object within the surrounding environment.
 30. Acomputing system, comprising: one or more processors; and one or moretangible, non-transitory, computer readable media storing instructionsthat when executed by the one or more processors cause the computingsystem to perform operations comprising: obtaining data associated witha first object and a second object within a surrounding environment ofan autonomous vehicle, wherein the first object comprises a firstvehicle, a first pedestrian, or a first bicycle, and wherein the secondobject comprises a second vehicle, a second pedestrian, or a secondbicycle; determining an interaction between the first object and thesecond object based at least in part on the data associated with thefirst object and the second object and at least one traffic rule; anddetermining motion for the autonomous vehicle based at least in part onthe interaction between the first object and the second object.
 31. Thecomputing system of claim 30, wherein determining the motion for theautonomous vehicle based at least in part on the interaction between thefirst object and the second object comprises: determining at least oneof a trajectory, a speed, or an acceleration of the autonomous vehicle.32. The computing system of claim 30, wherein determining theinteraction between the first object and the second object comprises:determining the interaction between the first object and the secondobject based at least in part on a machine-learned model.
 33. Thecomputing system of claim 32, wherein the machine-learned model isutilized to associated the first object with the second object.
 34. Thecomputing system of claim 30, wherein the interaction between the firstobject and the second object is determined based at least in part on mapdata associated with the surrounding environment of the autonomousvehicle.
 35. The computing system of claim 34, wherein the map data isindicative of the traffic rule.
 36. The computing system of claim 35,wherein the traffic rule is associated with at least one of anintersection, a stop sign, a merge area, or a stop light.
 37. Anautonomous vehicle, comprising: one or more processors; and one or moretangible, non-transitory, computer readable media storing instructionsthat when executed by the one or more processors cause the autonomousvehicle to perform operations comprising: obtaining data associated witha first object and a second object within a surrounding environment ofan autonomous vehicle, wherein the first object comprises a firstvehicle, a first pedestrian, or a first bicycle, and wherein the secondobject comprises a second vehicle, a second pedestrian, or a secondbicycle; determining an interaction between the first object and thesecond object based at least in part on the data associated with thefirst object and the second object and at least one traffic rule; anddetermining motion for the autonomous vehicle based at least in part onthe interaction between the first object and the second object.
 38. Theautonomous vehicle of claim 37, wherein the interaction between thefirst object and the second object is determined based at least in parton map data associated with the surrounding environment of theautonomous vehicle.
 39. The autonomous vehicle of claim 37, wherein theinteraction is determined based at least in part on a machine-learnedmodel.
 40. The autonomous vehicle of claim 37, wherein the first objectand the second object are in a follow-lead scenario.